How to tackle the VA application process

Apply with confidence: What to know about the VA application process

Applying to VA isn’t like your average job application process. There are specific procedures and documents to use and it can become a little confusing. Use these tips taken from our frequently asked questions and begin the VA application process with confidence.

Read the job announcement closely for instructions

Pay close attention to the section that addresses qualification requirements. The reviewer will be looking for your qualifications inside your application package as well as in other supplementary documents that you provide. Also, look at the job announcement closely for the job number, you will need this if you are filling out a printed application.

Know the difference between an online and a printed application.

You may submit either an online application or a printed application. The online application is preferred, and you only need to fax supplementary documents. With the printed application you need to fill out the OPM Form 1203-FX and fax it with all other documents.

Beginning the online application process

If you can apply online, you will use two software programs. First, you will create an account on USAJobs and indicate which job you are applying for. Then, you will be prompted from USAJobs to complete the application on Application Manager. You will also use Application Manager to check the status of your application. Click on the vacancy ID for the announcement, then Details. It will show the date your assessment was submitted and the date your resume and other supporting documents were received.

Fax your supplementary documents with your online application

If you have other supporting documents that are not digitized, you will need to fax those in separately with the fax cover sheet. These supplemental forms and documents may include college transcripts, verification of Veterans’ preference, SF-50 – Notification of Personnel Action and other certifications depending on the position. You will fax them to 1-478-757-3144 with a printed cover sheet.

How to fax a printed application

If you cannot apply online, print OPM Form 1203-FX Assessment Questionnaire. This is basically an answer sheet. You will need to follow the questions in the job announcement to fill out this form. You must submit all six pages (even if you don’t answer any questions on the last page). Make sure you begin your fax with the cover sheet on top. Extra tips

Don’t forget to fill out the top of each page with your social security number and vacancy ID number.

Make sure to answer the narrative questions thoroughly on a separate piece of paper, preferably typed.

Fax your entire packet, with the OPM Form 1203-FX on top (the first page is your cover page), to 1-478-757-3144 in the following order.

Comments

I entered the Navy in 1966 from St. Paul, MN. I served 15 months IN Viet Nam from 1967 through 1968. I am a 100% Disabled, Service Connected, Viet Nam Veteran with a 70% PTSD rating, 100% total and permanent disabled.
In August 2008, my wife and I purchased what was to be our “Retirement Home” in Holcombe, WI. I requested eligibility for the Wisconsin Property Tax Credit, but because I enlisted in Minnesota, I was informed by the Wisconsin DVA, I had to pay Property Taxes for 5-years, before becoming eligible for the Property Tax Credit. I have been permanently residing at my Wisconsin address since 2008. My wife was then, working in Minnesota and remained there, coming up on weekends to be with me. Since we had no Wisconsin Income, we filled taxes in Minnesota until 2009, when she retired and joined me in Wisconsin.
I submitted all required forms for the Credit with the assistance of my CVSO in Ladysmith, WI. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs denied my claim stating I had no proof I physically lived here until 2010. I was given two (2) VA Affidavits to be signed and notarized, stating I lived here since August 2008. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs sent me “Approval” as Eligible for the Property Tax Credit beginning in 2013. I filed my taxes, but was denied the Credit until 2015, because WDVA ignored any proof of residency and the Affidavits I had submitted, for no given reason.
In 2014, I was decertified as eligible and ordered to reapply in 2015 for payments dating back to 2010, to be considered eligible in 2016. I reapplied in January 2016. On February 17, 2016, I received a phone call from the WDVA. Who informed me, I had been approved for 2015 only, because the WI Department of Revenue determined my only proof of residency was my WI Driver’s License had been issued in 2011, therefore, I would not be Eligible until 2021 (another 5 years) for any Credit back. The WI Department of Veterans Affairs informed my CVSO, I had to produce my Wisconsin Tax Forms from 2011 until 2015, to determine whether I should be considered a third time for the Credits. I submitted the tax forms, all the way back to 2009, as proof I had resided in Wisconsin. I did notice some of the Tax Forms indicated, I had been approved for some Property Tax Credits but they were never remanded to our account.
On April 12, 2016, I was notified by my new CVSO, the WDVA would ONLY accept Tax Forms from 2014 and if I sent the request in before April 15, 2016, they will include 2014 for Credit. I will then have to wait 3 to 5 more years (2019 to 2021) to be eligible for any remaining Property Tax Credits. I do not understand why the WDVA is not granting the previous 5-years, since they originally accepted everything back to 2010.
On April 18, 2016, my CVSO again called to inform me I was “Approved” only for the 2015 “Property Tax Credit” and to file the Forms. I received the conformation form in the mail the same day. It only applies to 2015, my wife is still NOT eligible to continue receiving the credit if I pass away and I am DENIED any past credits. The previous 8 years have been ignored for Residency!
This aggravation and harassment, along with the Minneapolis VA have forced on me, has taken a heavy toll on my life. 3-years ago the Minneapolis VAMC chose to deny Travel Credit from Holcombe, WI to Minneapolis because I was told, “there are VA Medical Facilities closer to my home”. The only facility closer is the VA Clinic in Chippewa Falls, WI, where my Primary Doctor is located and he sends me to Minneapolis for my care because they do not have the needed services.
My wife and I have little choice, but to try to sell our home in Wisconsin and move back to Minnesota, because we cannot afford to maintain it without help for the VA.
Our financial credit rating has dropped from the 750’s to the low 500’s and we are nearing bankruptcy. I am confined to my home with very little Medical Care/Assistance and suffering from Clinical Depression. We are unable to get help or refinance our home due to our Credit Rating and are considering letting the bank foreclose because even after an $80,000 renovation in 2010, the house is valued at less than when we purchased it and in need of extensive repairs. The winter heating bills average between $600 and $800 per month for electric and at least another $100 for wood for the wood burning furnace, so we are forced to close up the house in the winter and return to Minnesota to be closer to the Minneapolis VAMC or go without care or help.
WHY? After following all the requirements and doing as I was told, is the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs doing this to me? I have done nothing to invoke this lack of respect on myself! The Federal VA refuses to help because State DVAF’s are not under Federal Jurisdiction and States can treat Veterans any way they want, dependent upon the Departments attitude.